On This Day in 2003, Johnny Cash Gave His Final Public Performance at the Carter Family Fold in Virginia

On this day (July 5) country legend Johnny Cash made his last public performance. Fittingly, Cash played his final set at the Carter Family Fold, a stage he stood on several times over the years. His final outing included “I Walk the Line,” “Ring of Fire,” and other timeless hits.

Johnny Cash remains one of the most iconic artists in country music history more than 20 years after his death. His songs, words, and attitude seeped into the groundwater of the genre and continue to fuel and inspire generations of fans and artists alike. He rose to fame while touring with the likes of Elvis Presley and left the world shortly after his loving wife, June Carter Cash went home to Glory.

[RELATED: Country Flashback: Johnny Cash Recorded His Iconic Hit “Ring of Fire” on This Day in 1963]

It is important to note that June passed away on May 15, 2003, less than two months before Cash’s final public performance. Then, he followed her in September of the same year after recording songs for his posthumously released American Recordings albums.

Johnny Cash Pays Tribute to June Carter Cash in His Final Performance

Near the end of his set, Johnny Cash took a moment to talk about the late June Carter Cash. “The spirit of June Carter overshadows me tonight,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “With the love she had for me and the love I have for her, we connect somewhere between here and heaven. She came down for a short visit, I guess, from heaven to visit with me tonight to give me courage and inspiration, like she always has,” he added.

“I thank God for June Carter and I love her with all of my heart,” he said before introducing the next song. “I would like to do a song that she wrote that she was extremely proud of,” before going into a mournful version of the classic “Ring of Fire.” Both Cash’s age and the emotions he felt while playing the song were evident in his voice.

June Carter co-wrote “Ring of Fire” with Merle Kilgore about her feelings for Johnny Cash before they became a couple.

Featured Image by Stephen Lovekin/FilmMagic